THE council is urging the Government to provide 'written confirmation' to inform Warrington drivers that they will not have to pay tolls on the Mersey crossings.

Both the new bridge in Runcorn, as well as the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, were to be tolled to fund construction and ongoing costs of maintaining the bridges but Halton residents will receive passes so they can use them without having to pay tolls.

And on April 23 Chancellor George Osborne announced his intention to remove tolls on the bridges - meaning the scheme would extend to those living in the authorities of Warrington, as well as Cheshire West and Chester.

Warrington South MP David Mowat has written to Mr Osborne this week to 'clarify' the position.

"We have now been waiting a month to receive written confirmation from the Conservative Government that Warrington's residents will not have to pay tolls to cross the new Halton bridge," said council executive board member for personnel and communications, Hitesh Patel.

"In the meantime we know that Halton Borough Council (HBC) is picking up the tab for its residents to cross the bridge, to the tune of around £4 million a year.

"This money is coming out of their council tax fund, so its residents are still paying to cross the bridge, albeit indirectly. We think it is unfair to expect Warrington residents to do the same.

"Ultimately, the Conservative Government found £1.5 billion to scrap the tolls on the Cambridgeshire bypass and all we are asking is that we get the same fair deal."

HBC is also awaiting confirmation details from the Government over the scheme.

As it stands, HBC will foot around two-thirds of the cost of the tolls, with the Government funding the remaining third, to allow Halton drivers to use the crossings for free.

"I don't know if the Government is offering Warrington Borough Council the same deal," said HBC chief executive, David Parr.

"We have been pressing it since he made his announcement but I am still waiting for a formal response - as soon as we get it we can work out the situation.

"The deal done with Halton includes the payment by HBC for the next 25 years. If the Government are allowing for the full costs to be paid to Warrington then I will be hoping for the same deal."

Prior to the announcement, Warrington drivers would of had to pay a £2 each-way cost, with a discount pass set to be priced at £90 per month, amounting to £1080 a year.

Council leader Terry O'Neill has already raised fears costing the taxpayers in the town and said there would be 'no extra money' from the Government.